below freezing in fl...

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outta_route

New member
Happy New Year to everyone in CD land. We bought our CD 22 back in 11/09 from Mark at Wefings. Have not too much time cruising, just locally around the lakes and the Crystal River area. We love the boat, but is a heck of a lot different from the 17' Logic we had for ten years. But i plan on spending lots of time getting used to her. We've been slowly customizing her and would like to thank you for all the info you've posted in the forums, a lot of great ideas.
One question as for cold weather. How cold before you might want to put a heater in the cabin while it is stored? I keep her under a portable car port next to the house, but we're getting into the 20's at night, and maybe the teens by the weekend.
Thanx for your input.

Capt. Bob
Miss G
 
I don't think you need a heater in the cabin unless there is something in there that will freeze. Have you emptied your water tank? Do you even have one, some 22's do not. If there are traces of water at the bottom and in the lines and the pump, it will freeze and crack the pump and lines. Similarly, if there is water at the stern in the bilge pump, it will freeze and break the pump housing.

The bilge pump is best winterized by dumping about a half gallon of RV pink antifreeze in the sump until it runs and then shuts off. If the water tank is not completely empty and dry, put about a gallon in there and run (or foot pump it if that is what you have) the pump until the pink comes out the faucet.

Take the porta-potty out and store it where it will not freeze.

Either take the battery(s) out and put them in a warm place or make sure they are fully charged and put a trickle charger on them to keep them that way.

Make sure your motor is in the fully down position so that any residual water will drain from the cooling water passages.

Remove any other liquids from the boat that might freeze.

Good luck, cold here in NoVa too, creek is frozen, it's colder here right now than at our home in DownEast Maine!

Charlie
 
Thanks Charlie. There is water in the tank, with a foot pump and a little water by the bilge pump. The batteries are topped off and motors are down. I'll pick up some of that antifreeze tomorrow. Thanks for the info. Keep warm!
 
Pump most if not all of the water out of the tank if you can. The dilution of a little antifreeze in a lot of water won't be very effective if it gets very cold for very long.

Charlie
 
Hey Bob , Its stupid cold here too! Just add some vodka to the water tank and have some if you get cold ! Pump some through the system , or add RV antifreeze and flush when we finally warm up. Pull the drain plug and tip her up on the jack or block to make sure the stern points downhill . Colder Sat ! Say Hi to GiGi for me .
Marc
 
I prefer tequilla. Then on the way to the launch ramp you can pour in some margarita mix and the drinks are ready when you get there.

Seriously though, cheap alcohol is a good antifreeze and you don't have to worry so much about getting the tank super clean (like you do with regular antifreeze).
 
The easiest way to drain the water tank on a 2005 22 is to remove the screws holding site tube on the rear bulk head and lay the site tube down between the floor boards. You might have to suck on the tube to get the water flowing but it will drain almost all the water out of tank. Hit the foot pump until you get air, add a quart of RV antifreeze and pump until pink or it sucks air again. Good to -30 or more.
 
May I suggest a siimple and time tested way to drain the water from your water tank which has the foot pump.(while on the trailer) Hook a hose to the bottom of the spout, run the hose out the starboard window so the unconnected end dangles below the bottom of your boat, give the pump a few thumps to get the water flowing, and it will syphon the tank empty. I have done this many times. Easy. If you have allowed some ice build up in your tank, then add enough anti-freeze to get the water unfrozen and syphon it out. Each spring I freshen the tank with bleach and fill and syphon it out several times. No need to disconnect anything.
John
 
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